During
Defexpo India 2014 held New Delhi, from February 6 to 9, 2014 Navy Recognition
received some updates on the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier program from
Cochin Shipyard representatives.

INS Vikrant
model at DEFEXPO 2014
Picture: Navyrecognition

INS
Vikrant is the first aircraft carrier to be indigeneously built in
India. Cochin Shipyard Limited is in charge of the project. Work on
the ship's design began in 1999, the keel was laid in February 2009.
The carrier was floated out of its dry dock on 29 December 2011 and
was launched in August 2013.

We learned during Defexpo that the Island (main superstructure) would
be fitted at the end of 2014 and sea trials should start during the
year 2018.

INS Vikrant
model at DEFEXPO 2014
Picture: Navyrecognition

Cochin
shipyard representatives at the show explained weapons would include
AK630M close in weapon systems and some surface to air missiles (they
would not comment on the type).

They would not disclose the sensor suites selected for the carrier
however they told us that the Combat Management System of the carrier
would be entirely indigenous and was currently being developped by
India company Tata Power SED.

INS Vikrant
at Cochin Shipyard in Kochi shortly before its launch

INS
Vikrant will displace 37,500-tonnes with a length of 260 metres long
and a width of 60 metres. Maximum speed of the ship is announced at
28 knots, the ship reported range is 7,500 nautical miles at a speed
of 18 knots. INS Vikrant is set to receive a large crew complement
composed of 160 officers and 1,400 sailors.

The aircraft carrier
will be able to accommodate 30 fighters and helicopters, including
Mig-29K fighters and Ka-31 helicopters .